Abstract

Mental toughness (MT) is a key psychological variable related toachievement in performance domains and perseverance in challengingcircumstances. We sought to understand the lived-experiences of mentallytough high-altitude mountaineers, focusing primarily upon decisions topersevere or abort summit attempts. Phenomenological interviews wereconducted with 14 mountaineers including guides, expedition leaders, anddoctors (Mage = 44 years). A content analysis was employed to identifykey themes in the data. Participants emphasised the importance of MT inextreme environments and described rational, flexible, and vigilantdecision-making. Turning around without summiting was the toughestdecision reported, with recognition of the thin line between perseveringand over-stretching. In contrast to much MT literature, mountaineersaccepted limits, demonstrated restraint, and sacrificed personal goals toaid others. Costly perseverance was also reported with some mountaineersdescribed as “too tough”: over-competitive, goal-obsessed, and biaseddecision-makers. These findings revealed both benefits and dangers of MTin mountaineering.